Bombers attack as Somali leader pass constitution

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A gathering of leaders in Somalia has approved a new constitution for the struggling country.

The Wednesday vote – 621 for, 13 against with 11 abstentions – came shortly after two suicide bombers tried to attack the Mogadishu meeting. A police officer said security forces shot the two bombers at the gate to the meeting area. The two bombers were killed and one Somali soldier was wounded, said Abdi Yassin, a police officer.

The constitution affords more individual rights to Somalis.

The U.N. mandate for Somalia’s current government expires on Aug. 20, and Somali leaders have been tasked with voting on the constitution, voting in a new 275-member parliament, and electing a president before then.